USA

February 27, 2009

By Compiled from wire service reports by Ross Atkin

New-home sales fell 10.2 percent in January and median prices by 9.9 percent, both records, the Commerce Department reported Thursday. The sales falloff was the worst since records were first kept in 1963, with the median price dropping to $201,100.

Before sending alleged terrorist detainees to other countries, the US will get assurances that prisoners would not be tortured or have their human rights violated, CIA Director Leon Panetta told reporters Wednesday. He also said the focus should be on handing over prisoners to their home countries or to places where they have been charged.

As part of ongoing efforts to stem the violent Mexican drug trade within US borders, federal agents arrested 50 suspects in Maryland, Minnesota, and California Wednesday. Altogether, 750 suspects have been arrested in a 21-month operation.